Introduction

If you love the festive flavors of Starbucks’ Cranberry Bliss Bars, you’re going to enjoy making this easy copycat version at home. These bars combine a rich, buttery blondie base with tangy cranberries and smooth white chocolate, topped off with a creamy orange-infused frosting and more cranberries for the perfect balance of sweet and tart.

Three triangular bars stacked on a white marbled surface, each bar having two visible layers: a thick, light brown cake layer embedded with small red dried fruit pieces, and a creamy white frosting layer on top with a smooth texture and diagonal ridges. The frosting is decorated with scattered deep red dried cranberries and a few white chocolate chips, adding color contrast and texture. Crumbs and small pieces of dried fruit lay around the bars on the surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

For the blondie layer:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (7.5 oz)
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp table salt
12 tbsp unsalted butter (6 oz)
1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar (10.5 oz)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp grated orange zest
3/4 cup dried cranberries (3.5 oz, loosely packed)
1 1/3 cups white chocolate, chopped or chips (8 oz)

For the frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted (6 oz)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp orange juice
1 tsp orange zest, finely grated
2/3 cup white chocolate, melted (4 oz)

For the topping:

1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped (2.3 oz, loosely packed)
1 2/3 cups white chocolate, melted (10 oz)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the oven rack in the middle. Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray, line it with parchment paper allowing overhang on both sides, and spray the parchment paper again.

Step 2: In a light-colored saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Continue cooking and stirring until the butter foams and the milk solids turn golden brown. Remove from heat and pour the browned butter into a bowl, scraping in the browned bits. Let cool completely.

Step 3: Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. In a large bowl, combine the cooled browned butter and brown sugar, whisking well. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest, stirring until smooth.

Step 4: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in the white chocolate and dried cranberries. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and smooth the top.

Step 5: Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until edges are golden and the top is set. Cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Step 6: Beat together the softened cream cheese, sifted confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, orange juice, and orange zest until fluffy. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Chill for about 10 minutes for easier decorating.

Step 7: Sprinkle the chopped cranberries evenly over the frosting. Drizzle melted white chocolate in a decorative pattern. Refrigerate until frosting and drizzle are firm.

Step 8: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into triangles or desired shapes and serve.

Tips & Variations

Brown the butter carefully to enhance the flavor—watch it closely to avoid burning.

Use fresh orange zest and juice for the brightest citrus notes.

For an extra festive touch, sprinkle some chopped pistachios on top with the cranberries.

Substitute white chocolate chips with a combination of white and dark chocolate for deeper flavor contrast.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries are much more tart and contain more moisture, which can alter the texture of the bars. If you prefer fresh, consider roasting them first to reduce moisture and mellow the tartness.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the blondie base and frost them the day before serving. Keep the bars refrigerated and add the final toppings just before serving for the best texture and appearance.